AIZAWL, Oct 14 - Lalbiakthanga Pachuau, 90, who is editing a Mizo vernacular newspaper here since 1953, has been claimed to be “India’s oldest working journalist.”

The Government of Mizoram, in association with Mizoram Journalists’ Association, the State’s apex journalists’ body, today declared Pachuau, Editor of Zoram Tlangau as the oldest working journalist in the country during a special function here today.

Pachuau, after he served in British Indian Army during World World-II, started his own daily newspaper Zoram Thupuan in 1953.

Mizoram Information and Public Relations Minister Lal Thanzara handed over a citation in recognition for his numerous contributions to the society mainly social work.

Pachuau wrote his first news article on May 16, 1953 in Zoram Thupuan and started publishing and editing his own daily newspaper without a break till date. He was elected as president of Mizoram Journalists’ Association for three terms.

He co-founded the Association for Voluntary Blood Donation in Mizoram as general secretary and later was elected as president for a number of terms from 2001. The association is the main source when it comes to blood donation. His contribution in this field has earned him three special awards from State Blood Transfusion Council.

The war veteran-turned-journalist had been decorated with war medals, including Burma Star, Independent Medal, J&K General Service Medal and Sainya Seva Medal. He has held the post of president of World War Veteran Association of Mizoram numerous times.

He was one of the key delegates at the Mizo peace talks between the then outlawed Mizo National Front and Government of India during the early 1980s. He was the founder president of Mizoram Social Defence Union during the 1990s and campaigned vigorously against alcohol and drugs.